Is spinning as hard as running?

I did a spinning class last night, my first ever and found it great fun but really hard work.I'm coming to the end of rehab for a calf tear and would like to know if spinning is equivalent to running, I found it harder!! but maybe that's just me. I want to build up my cv fitness a bit and also condition my legs again because as soon as I'm given the green light to run I'll be out there.Any comments, Is spinning a good add on to running?

As a triathlete I do lots training on my indoor trainer, often in the form of a run-bike session, and I find that the spinning definitely helps my running in 2 ways: 1 is that it aids running fitness, and 2 is that it helps running technique - when I run immediately after a fast spin I find I have good leg speed = more efficient. I usually warm up for 10-15 mins on the indoor trainer at high revs (100+) prior to a run from home. The first few times will be harder because you aren't used to the technique, but stick with it and I'm sure you will feel the benefits. Martin.

Just like anything new, it's always gonna be a bit difficult the first time you do it. It'll get easier the more you do it. Mind you, a CV workout is a CV workout irrespective of how you choose to do it.

Now I know what you mean, I realise I've been spinning for months!Shambler - Yes it is boring, worse than treadmill as far as I'm concerned. OK for a 15 min warm-up before doing other cv stuff. Tried a stepper for the first time a few weeks ago - interesting if you go for high reps.....

Spinning is not indoor bike training. I have a turbo trainer and use the upright bikes at the gym and yes they are boring. Spinning bikes are differently designed and it is more like a road bike. Plus it is in a class situation, I did some spinning classes run by some NZ triathletes not only were they visually fascinating, the class was hard and fulfilling, seriously i did 7 hours, I can only manage 40 on the turbo

You should definatly keep the spin classes up.I run a private health club and we make all our spin class attenders wear heart rate monitors. They all end up in their high end threshold. Great conditioing for the heart and lungs.when you return to running you should find your heart rate doesn't go so high or if like me its naturally high you will find you feel a lot more comfortable.talking of comfort make sure you use a gel seat when spinning or you will have bruises in places like no other!

While having a very bad run of flu at the moment, running is not ideal at the moment on the streets, so I have turned to my spinning sessions on my bike, using a turbo trainer and fast paced music blasting out my room this is giving me a fantastic workout.

I then followed this workout by doing squats with my barbell.

Tomorrow im thinking of spinning while watching a movie to pass the time away.

Hi VR,When can you run again?I've been given the go ahead to hit the road as from Sunday .The physio said I can run as far as I want but to do no repeptitive speed work for 3 weeks. Getting itchy feet already.

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